Forget diet rules and wellness culture — this holiday episode is for anyone navigating the season with MS. We’re diving into what it really takes to show up at the holiday table: the energy math, the grief of changing traditions, and the radical permission and flexibility to choose joy over restriction. From managing food choices during flares to dealing with unsolicited health advice at dinner, this is your no-shame, all-heart guide to reclaiming the holidays on your terms.

✨ Featuring stories, strategies, and a fierce takedown of diet culture — with room for Aunt Martha’s stuffing and your store-bought pie.

Read more about the MS tax here.

00:00 Introduction: Energy Management and Chronic Illness

01:08 Welcome to the MS Bites Podcast

01:44 Navigating Holiday Challenges with MS

04:05 The Reality of Diet Culture and MS

05:43 Choosing Joy Over Restriction

13:32 Adapting Holiday Traditions

20:02 Managing Family Conversations

23:34 Permission to Celebrate Differently

26:13 Gratitude and Small Victories

29:04 Conclusion: Embracing the Holidays with MS

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In this episode, we tackle a hotly debated question: Can multiple sclerosis be treated naturally? Join me as we break down what "natural treatment" really means, explore the role of diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes, and discuss how these strategies can complement conventional care. We’ll dive into the science, debunk some myths, and talk about how to approach your MS care plan. Whether you’re curious about a specific natural remedy, tired of conflicting advice, or just looking for ways to feel your best, this episode has something for you.

Quick disclaimer: I’m a registered dietitian and I also live with MS. I’m bringing you research, clinical perspective, and lived experience—but this is education, not medical advice. Please talk to your neurologist or healthcare team before changing your treatment plan.

Highlights:

00:49 Can MS Be Treated Naturally?

01:05 Understanding Treatment Goals

03:30 Why Seek Alternatives to Conventional Therapies?

08:09 Conventional MS Treatments: Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs)

12:39 Natural Therapies: Supplements and Nutrition

19:59 Natural Therapies: Exercise and Mind-Body Practices

22:39 The Role of Diet in MS Management

28:23 Risks of Natural Therapies

33:29 Combining Conventional and Natural Approaches

35:48 Conclusion and Action Steps

Listen now to learn how to make informed, balanced decisions about managing your MS—and why you don’t have to choose between natural therapies and conventional DMTs.

Resource mentioned in the episode

NMSS Diet info https://www.nationalmssociety.org/managing-ms/living-with-ms/diet-exercise-and-healthy-behaviors/diet-nutrition

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Is gluten really the villain it's made out to be? In this episode, I will dive deep into the science behind gluten - what it actually is, who truly needs to avoid it, and whether people with multiple sclerosis should be concerned. We'll explore the difference between celiac disease, wheat allergy, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, debunk common myths about gluten being universally inflammatory, and examine what the research actually says about gluten and MS.

Resources mentioned

ConsumerLab.com

(Temperley et al., 2023)

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Living with MS is challenging enough without turning mealtime into an overwhelming obstacle course of do’s and don’ts. Am I right? Hi, I’m Mona—a registered dietitian, MS Certified Specialist, and someone who’s been living with multiple sclerosis since 2008. I know firsthand how exhausting it feels to navigate this complex disease and the confusing world of nutrition advice that comes with it.

Welcome to MSBites, a podcast created to bring clarity and context to the conversation about nutrition and MS. In this inaugural episode, I’ll share a bit about my journey, why I started this podcast, and what you can expect in future episodes.

We’ll take an honest, science-based look at nutrition: busting myths, answering burning questions, and diving into practical tips to help you eat well—without the fear, confusion, or overwhelm that the wellness industry thrives on.

If you’ve ever wondered what role nutrition plays in managing MS symptoms and supporting overall health, this is the podcast for you. Follow, subscribe, and share MSBites with someone who needs it. Let’s cut through the noise and take the stress out of eating well with MS.

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